Oom Yung Doe - 8 Martial Arts - Pittsburgh

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Sally Swiss

via Google

Amazing! Best thing I have ever done for myself. No matter your age , this is the way to grow fit physically and mentally in a supportive, compassionate environment.

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Hedy Krenn

via Google

This has been life changing. The teacher’s, the practice, form, Professionalism and support. This is truly one of the best things I have done for myself.

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Robert Best

via Google

My two teenage children started training about two years ago, and I started a few months later. I can honestly say it's one of the best investments I've made in my life. As a parent, I have watched my children push themselves to their limits, gain confidence and strength, and learn to be comfortable with being uncomfortable. The training is difficult, and belts are not handed out based on time spent in class or fees; they are earned. Beyond the physical aspects of the training, I've noticed heightened focus, increased mental acuity, and determination that they have applied to other aspects of their lives. These are principles that are frequently discussed with the students by the amazing instructors, who bring many years of combined experience to class. The self-defense aspects of the training are well-rounded and practical. Students are always reminded that the best defense is not being there. Knowing they are knowledgeable about what to do in certain situations given a solid self-defense foundation is something I wish I had when I was younger. For my part, as I got into my late 40s, 30+ years of running was really starting to take a toll on my body. I tried swimming, I tried the elliptical, I tried yoga... but I found it all tremendously boring. I started with the hope of finding something to supplement running and to spend more time with my kids. What I found was something that has largely replaced running, and that I envision being my main activity for the foreseeable future. It's both mentally and physically exhausting and quite humbling. Strength, coordination, endurance, and focus are combined in a way I've never experienced before. My joints are strengthening, which has actually helped my running and improved some of my long-standing injuries. Plus, punching and kicking things is really fun! As I cruise past middle age, I feel this is an actionable step toward the longevity and quality of life I envision as I get older.

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ben nydes

via Google

Wow! This school is still amazing. I took Oom Yung Doe when I was in High School and made it to the rank of fifth section, about 13-14 years ago. I ended up moving out of state in my senior year, and there were no Oom Yung Doe schools near me. I tried some other styles of martial arts, but it was not the same. I ended up moving back to Pittsburgh and decided to get back into it. National Instructor Joe, Assistant Regional Head Instructor Jeff, and Head Instructor Ian have been great at assisting me in getting back into it. Now that I am back, I am starting to realize how much my body remembers some of the movements. When I was taking Oom Yung Doe in High School, I was always told the training would stay with me. I must be honest, I did not fully believe that at the time, but when I started training again, I found out that statement was 100% true. Even after all these years, my mind/body remembers, and I can still do some of the movements with little difficulty. This school is not just about self-defense but helping your mind, body, and spirit become one. I would definitely recommend this school; it is one big family, and all the instructors want to help you reach your full potential. Whatever you are searching for, this school will help you achieve your goal and more.

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Daniel Rubenstein

via Google

I am 81 years old. I have been active all of my life, but have come to the realization that there are certain activities I can no longer participate in. Training at Oom Yung Doe has been challenging, and has enabled me to maintain my strength, mobility, flexibility and coordination. What I like best about the school are the instructors. They don't just tell you what to do. It's what I call show and teach...every lesson and evey movement that is taught is first demonstrated by the instructor.

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Kathy Neiswanger

via Google

After I settled into the more relaxed pace of retirement, I felt I was getting enough activity by walking my dog Kaya two or three times a day, every day. But eventually, sadly, I had to put her down. It became very clear that I wasn’t going to walk two or three times a day, every day, without a dog. I know how important it is to keep active and strong as you age, so when my sister spoke highly of Tai Chi, I searched for “Tai Chi near me.” Up popped Oom Yung Doe. I made a tentative call and Head Instructor Ian invited me to visit the class and learn more. It looked interesting, so I signed up for two days a week in the senior class. I was dipping my toe very cautiously into the water, ready to run away for any reason. Head Instructor Ian must have sensed my reluctance. He didn’t push me, and I hid in the back of the class, trying to do what the others were doing and not make a fool of myself. This was way more than I anticipated—eight traditional martial arts, taught as a single, integrated curriculum, Tai Chi included but my goodness. I have practiced yoga and other exercise routines at various times of my life and recognized some yoga in what we were doing. But this was much more challenging. I had to move in ways I thought were no longer possible after one knee and two shoulder surgeries. I held back, not even aware of how normal it was to carry tension and restraint in every movement. I was sore after class, but listened to the other students who told me it was a victory just to be there. I sweated, which is something I never do. After a few months, I had increased range of motion in both shoulders and was walking lighter, with more confidence and speed. I started going three days a week, paying more attention to breathing and learning what the eight martial arts were. Oom Yung Doe became one of the major routines in my life. I signed up for a tournament, which was terrifying. No matter how much I practiced, there was no guarantee that I could actually do my Tai Chi routine in front of people. I did get through it, but the real revelation was watching everyone else. They all moved beautifully, from kids to regional instructors. Now I have been training for a few years. I pulled back when my knees gave me problems, but instructors at all levels provided exercises that strengthened them, so I could progress. I have reached fifth section and am very proud of that accomplishment. As far as I have come, however, I am keenly aware that my body is still waking up. Even beyond the formal training, Oom Yung Doe has opened my heart. I have had the privilege of getting to know so many wonderful people, students and instructors alike. I feel welcomed at Oom Yung Doe, and am part of a community of people who, each in their own way, have found physical, mental, and spiritual nourishment through their practice of Oom Yung Doe. I am a better person for it.